Teeth Contouring Costs, Benefits, & How it Works

If you're interested in changing your smile by changing the look of your teeth, you may be considering teeth contouring. Sometimes known as teeth shaving or teeth filing, and medically known as enameloplasty or odontoplasty,¹ we're diving into how it's done, the benefits and cost.

What Is Teeth Contouring?

Teeth contouring is a dental procedure used to change the shape, finish or size of one or more teeth. It's done by removing enamel — the hard, protective outer layer of your tooth — to make it shorter, narrower or smoother.¹ The dentist uses a special dental sanding tool or laser to remove small amounts of enamel from the tooth and achieve the desired effect. Special abrasive strips are also sometimes used to reshape the sides of the teeth.¹

What it can treat

The technique can be used to address a few dental concerns, both cosmetic and practical. These include:¹

• Removing small chips, ridges or rough edges
• Evening out teeth for a more uniform appearance
• Reshaping pointy teeth, particularly the “canines" or “fangs"
• Shortening long or tall teeth
• Sanding away fractures
• Minimizing overlap
• Improving minor bite alignment issues
• Correcting crowding alongside orthodontic treatment, like braces or aligners

Teeth contouring benefits

Teeth contouring offers several potential benefits, depending on the reason you're having it done. Some benefits of teeth contouring include:¹

• A quick and effective way to improve minor issues with your teeth's shape, size or symmetry
• No pain because your enamel doesn't contain any nerves
• No recovery or downtime is required
• Can improve damage caused by clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism)
• Can make it easier to clean between your teeth, lowering the risk of tooth decay and cavities from plaque and tartar buildup

Are You a Good Candidate for Teeth Contouring?

Teeth contouring involves the removal of enamel, so you need to have healthy teeth and gums to have it done. An experienced dentist or orthodontist can examine your teeth to determine if you're a good candidate for teeth filing based on your oral health, tooth structure and expectations.

The procedure is best suited for those with minor imperfections. Depending on the imperfection, your dentist may recommend another treatment along with teeth contouring, such as dental bonding.¹

How Much Does Teeth Contouring Cost?

The cost of teeth contouring ranges between $50 and $300 per tooth.² The final price you pay for teeth contouring can depend on factors such as:²

• The extent of reshaping needed
• The location of the tooth
• Where the dental practice is located

As prices can vary between locations, you can always shop around. Just be sure to choose a certified and experienced dental professional.

Is Teeth Contouring Covered by Insurance?

Teeth contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure, which most insurance plans don't cover. That said, it doesn't hurt to check with your insurance provider, especially if you're having teeth contouring to fix an issue caused by trauma to the tooth or as part of a procedure to fix a dental health issue.²

How Teeth Contouring Works

Teeth contouring begins with an exam by the dentist to determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure. This will involve examining your teeth and gums and an X-ray to confirm the size and location of the tooth's pulp.¹

The actual tooth filing procedure is quick, taking as little as 30 minutes depending on the extent of work needed.¹ The procedure is typically painless because your enamel doesn't contain any nerves, so anesthesia isn't usually needed.³

Here's a general overview of the procedure:¹

• The dentist marks the area of the tooth or teeth that will be reshaped.
• They may use a combination of tools, which may include a special sanding drill or a laser to remove small amounts of surface enamel and smooth and shape the tooth.
• If needed, the dentist will use thin, abrasive strips to sand between the teeth, smoothing or shaping the sides.
• To finish, the dentist will smooth and polish the teeth.

Is Teeth Contouring Safe?

Teeth contouring is safe when performed by a qualified dental professional. Teeth filing at home is another story. Filing your own teeth is not recommended because it has the potential to cause permanent damage to your teeth. Enamel doesn't grow back, so if you remove too much, it's gone.⁴

Even though it's noninvasive and typically safe when done by a professional, teeth contouring, like all dental procedures, carries some risks. These include:¹

• Your teeth may become temporarily sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks after the procedure.
• If too much enamel is removed, your teeth may become permanently sensitive and increase the risk for breakage and decay.
• The problem you have corrected may recur, depending on the cause, such as continued teeth grinding.

Teeth Contouring Recovery and Maintenance Tips

There's no recovery or downtime needed after teeth contouring, but there are some things you can do to help maintain your results and oral health, including:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.¹
• Have regular dental checkups and cleanings.¹
• Avoid eating hard or sticky foods after the procedure.²
• Don't chew on things that can chip or damage your teeth, such as fingernails or pencils.²
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products, as these can stain teeth.²

Overall, teeth contouring may be a quick and effective solution to help improve your smile. Book a consultation with a certified dental professional to find out if it's right for you.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Teeth Contouring

Whether you're investing in teeth contouring or you simply need a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or orthodontist near you that accepts CareCredit to help get you on track to your perfect smile. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.